Visiting Daycares??

I may have to change my child care.

For those who visited day cares, did you call ahead or just show up?

Did you bring DC?

Also, important questions to ask? I need to get a list together ASAP!

Thanks!!!

Re: Visiting Daycares??

most i just showed up

what is the sick policy - temp that they must stay home/ number of direahea that stay home - any exceptions around vacines


going outdoors - will they be able to go out in the snow, min temp they must stay inside, go out in light drizzle (sorry i want my child out lots so i was loking for the loosest restrictions)

policy for late pickups - whatis the fee and procedure

what is a typical day like

what is the ratio in your childs room

when do transitions usually occur

do they follow your child's schedule or is there a room schedule

ask for a sample menu if they provide food - are you allwed to bring in other food, do they offer a basic option if the child does not like the food, are they peanut free

can they provide medicines

what do you need to send in - crib sheet, diapers, wipes, and what do they provide

if coming in late in the morning, do you need to call or can you just drop off

Re: Visiting Daycares??

I called ahead b/c they gave me tours and I spoke to someone in the office about the tuition, etc, and I needed to make sure everyone was available. Also, at some of them I got to sit in for a while and talk to the teachers and observe ...so the day cares only let you do that at certain times (ie- not drop off/pick up, lunch, etc). After I narrowed them down to two, i just SHOWED UP to make sure they didn't just "put on a show" for me. I never brought DD, but then again, it was for the infant room and she was and still is an infant (the first time i looked I was pregnant).

Questions I asked:

- "teacher" to child ratio
- do you go outside every day
- are the teachers CPR trained
- qualified to provide medicine
- is there a "nurse" or an office where sick kids can go until they are picked up? (I didn't find any with this)
- general philosophy
- what do they do all day
- what type of stimulation
- are any meals provided
- are the rooms video-monitored?
- are there phones in the rooms- can I call a room directly to check up on DC?
- what time do most of the kids get dropped off and picked up? (i didn't want DC to be the first or last one there)
- Any reduced fee for the month if DC is out for a long family vacation?
- what days is the center closed?
- snow days- does it follow the local public school?


since I was interested in the infant room I also asked:
- do we bring the bottles prepared
- how are they heated up
- do you document diaper changes, feeds, etc
- how often do u change a diaper
- how often are toys cleaned? how?
-make sure every baby has his own crib (I believe you have to in NY)
-when do they move up to the next level class?
- what do i need to bring for DC daily? weekly?

HTH!

Re: Visiting Daycares??

Thank you very much ladies, I really appreciate your responses!

Anyone else? The more information the better.

Re: Visiting Daycares??

Be sure to ask if they are licensed. It should be hanging on the wall.

Note the amount of children and ages they are licensed for.

Staff should be trained in cpr and first aid.

Ask what a typical day is like.

Depending on the age of your child activities should be age appropriate.

Ask about their philosophy on potty training

Ask to view a parent handbook.

What is their sick policy

Do they provide food? Are they peanut free?

Overall are the children happy?

Good Luck!